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LAST TIME OUTThe Suffolk men's basketball team capped off 2016 action Dec. 13 at UMass Boston where the Beacons used a strong second halt to upstage the Rams, 74-60, at the Clark Athletic Center.

RUNDOWN ON THE RAMS Suffolk looks to open 2017 on a high and end a two-game skid that put the Rams at 2-8 overall and 1-2 against conference competition.

The Rams are putting up 62.4 points per game thanks to a 40.8 connection rate from the field. Suffolk is potent from the charity stripe, going 76.8 percent and has its moments from behind the arc with a 30.6 percentage. The sophomore class has stepped up for the blue and gold with a threesome of Rams providing double figures. Steven DiPrizio's 12.8 ppg lead the way with Jim Djema and Michael Hagopian closely in second and third on the squad with 11.4 ppg and 10.8 ppg, respectively.

Suffolk has stepped up its game on the glass as of late to pull down 32.5 rpg. DiPrizio once again is pacing the pack as the 6-foot-6 forward grabs 7.7 boards per outing with Thomas Duffy (5.1 rpg) and Quinn McCartney (4.0 rpg) adding to the effort.

SAINTS SAYINGS Emmanuel takes a six-game skid into Thursday night's showdown including two setbacks in the New Year at Mary Washington (76-57) and McDaniel (77-48). The Saints', who's last win came over Curry (74-73) Nov. 22, sits a 1-8 on the season and winless (0-3) in league action.

The Saints average 62.3 points per game and struggle from the floor. Emmanuel's three-point field goal percentage (31.0) is just 3.3 lower than its connection rate (34.3) from the floor. At the line, the Saints put in 62.1 percentage of their opportunities. Joe Tamburro is the sole Saint recording double digits in points with the sophomore guard totaling 11.9 points per game. Colin Cordero's 9.6 ppg is second on the squad.

Emmanuel takes down 37.1 caroms per outing, but is outrebounded by its opponents by an 8.2 margin. Aidan Hadley leads the way on the glass with 6.1 rpg.

INSIDE THE SERIES Overall, Emmanuel commands the all-time series against Suffolk with the Rams trailing 23-8. The teams split the two meetings last season with the blue and gold winning the first, 79-72, and the Saints taking the second, 68-58.